The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Correct Bartolini Jazz Bass Pickups
Replacing the pickups in your Jazz Bass is one of the most effective ways to transform its sound. Whether you are chasing vintage warmth, tighter lows, more output, improved clarity, or quieter performance, Bartolini offers a wide range of Jazz Bass replacement pickups designed for different instruments and tonal goals.
However, choosing the correct Bartolini Jazz pickup requires more than knowing how many strings your bass has.
Bartolini produces several Jazz pickup sizes that may look nearly identical in photographs but are not physically interchangeable. A pickup designed for one Fender® Jazz Bass may be too short, too long, or slightly too wide for another. Even differences of only a few hundredths of an inch can prevent a pickup from fitting properly.
This guide will help you identify the correct Bartolini Jazz replacement pickups for your bass, narrow the available models by physical size, and then select the series that best matches your tonal goals.
Start with Fitment, Not Tone
Before comparing output, frequency response, coil design, or overall character, you need to determine which pickup housing fits your bass.
The make and model of the bass can provide a useful starting point, but it is not always enough. Manufacturers sometimes use different pickup dimensions across production years, manufacturing locations, and model variations. Two instruments with similar names may require completely different replacement pickups.
The most reliable approach is to measure the pickups currently installed in your bass.
How to Measure Your Jazz Bass Pickups
Measure the complete outside dimensions of the pickup cover, including the mounting ears.
- Measure the overall length of the neck pickup.
- Measure the overall length of the bridge pickup.
- Measure the overall width of each pickup.
- Measure the neck and bridge pickups separately.
- Use digital calipers when possible for the most accurate result.
Do not assume that the neck and bridge pickups are the same length. Many Jazz-style basses use a shorter neck pickup and a longer bridge pickup, while others use two pickups of equal length.
Once you have your measurements, use the table below to identify every corresponding Bartolini Jazz pickup model offered by Fat Bass Tone.
Bartolini Jazz Bass Pickup Fitment Chart
| Neck Length | Bridge Length | Width | Strings | Typical Application | Compatible Bartolini Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.60" | 3.60" | 0.73" | 4 | Standard Jazz Bass short/short configuration | 9J1 S/SB |
| 3.60" | 3.73" | 0.73" | 4 | Traditional four-string Jazz Bass long/short configuration | 9S, 9SU, 9J1 L/S, 9CBJD L1/S1, 9CBJD L3/S3, b-axis J44J L/S |
| 3.73" | 3.73" | 0.73" | 4 | Four-string Jazz Bass long/long configuration | 9J1 L/LN |
| 3.60" | 3.73" | 0.73" | 5 | Compact five-string Jazz Bass long/short configuration | 59J1 L/S, 59CBJD1 L/S, 59CBJD L3/S3, 59CBJS, b-axis J45J-18 L/S |
| 3.73" | 3.73" | 0.73" | 5 | Compact five-string Jazz Bass long/long configuration | 59J1 L/LN, 59CBJD1 L/LN, 59CBJD3 L/LN, b-axis J45J-18 L/LN |
| 3.96" | 4.09" | 0.73" | 5 | Fender American-style narrow five-string Jazz housing | JV55CBJD |
| 4.00" | 4.14" | 0.77" | 5 | Full-width Fender American Standard®, American Deluxe®, American Professional® and similar five-string Jazz routes | 57J1, 57CBJS, 57CBJD1, 57CBJD3, b-axis J55J-18, b-axis J55J-19 |
| Model-Specific | Model-Specific | Model-Specific | 5 | Yamaha TRB 5P replacement | YJ55CBJD |
| 4.52" | 4.52" | 0.74" | 6 | WSC-style six-string Jazz pickups used by Performance, Bass Mods and similar instruments | J66J |
| American-Style 6-String | American-Style 6-String | Model-Specific | 6 | Fender-style six-string Jazz Bass replacement | 67CBJD3 |
| 4.70" | 4.70" | 0.72" | 6 | Squier Affinity® six-string Jazz Bass replacement | JS66CBJD |
Important: Dimensions should be used as the primary fitment test. References to specific bass models are helpful starting points, but manufacturers may change pickup routes between years and production runs.
Understanding Bartolini Jazz Pickup Model Numbers
Once you have identified which models fit your bass, the remaining decision is tonal. Bartolini offers several different pickup designs within many of its Jazz Bass housing sizes.
The model number generally identifies the housing family, internal design, and voicing. Two Bartolini pickups can have identical outside dimensions while producing noticeably different tonal results.
Original Series
Bartolini's Original Series delivers the warm, smooth, and full-bodied character that helped establish the company's reputation. These pickups tend to emphasize rich lows and low mids while maintaining a naturally musical top end.
The Original Series is an excellent starting point for players who want classic Bartolini warmth, a smooth response, and an organic feel.
Original Series Jazz models offered by Fat Bass Tone include the 9S, 9SU, 9J1, 59J1, and 57J1.
Classic Bass Series
The Classic Bass Series retains Bartolini's characteristic fullness while adding a more open, balanced, and versatile response. These models are strong all-around choices for players who cover several musical styles and want clarity without losing warmth.
Classic Bass Jazz models offered by Fat Bass Tone include the 9CBJD L1/S1, 59CBJS, 59CBJD1, JV55CBJD, 57CBJS, 57CBJD1, YJ55CBJD, and JS66CBJD.
Classic Bass Bright Series
The Classic Bass Bright models provide additional articulation, upper-mid presence, and attack while retaining the full low end associated with Bartolini pickups.
These models are particularly well suited to slap, modern gospel, progressive styles, active basses, and players who want each note to remain clearly defined in a dense mix.
Classic Bass Bright Jazz models offered by Fat Bass Tone include the 9CBJD L3/S3, 59CBJD L3/S3, 57CBJD3, and 67CBJD3.
b-axis Series
Bartolini's b-axis Jazz pickups are designed for players who prioritize clarity, extended frequency response, string-to-string balance, and low-noise performance.
They retain musical warmth but sound more immediate and revealing than many traditional Jazz pickup designs. They are excellent choices for modern active instruments, detailed fingerstyle playing, extended-range basses, studio work, and players seeking maximum definition.
b-axis Jazz models offered by Fat Bass Tone include the J44J, J45J-18, J55J-18, and J55J-19.
Single-Coil vs. Hum-Cancelling Bartolini Jazz Pickups
Physical fit is only the first part of the decision. You should also consider whether you prefer a traditional single-coil design or a hum-cancelling pickup.
Traditional Single-Coil Designs
Traditional single-coil Jazz pickups are valued for their open top end, immediate attack, and familiar Jazz Bass character. Their primary tradeoff is that they can produce audible 60-cycle hum when one pickup is used by itself or when the two volume controls are not evenly matched.
Bartolini single-coil options include models such as the 9S, 9SU , 59CBJS, and 57CBJS.
Hum-Cancelling Designs
Hum-cancelling Jazz pickups use multiple coils to reduce unwanted electrical noise. They are often the better choice for recording, high-gain rigs, large pedalboards, venues with inconsistent electrical power, or players who frequently favor one pickup over the other.
Their response varies by series. Original Series models tend to sound smooth and warm, Classic Bass models are balanced and versatile, Classic Bass Bright models provide more articulation, and b-axis models deliver a broader and more detailed response.
How We Recommend Choosing Your Bartolini Jazz Pickups
Selecting the correct Bartolini Jazz replacement pickup comes down to answering three questions in the correct order:
- Which models physically fit my bass? Match the neck length, bridge length, and width to the fitment table.
- Do I want traditional single-coil response or hum-cancelling performance? Decide how important noise reduction is for your playing environment.
- What tonal direction do I want? Choose Original for warmth, Classic Bass for balance, Classic Bass Bright for added articulation, or b-axis for maximum clarity and detail.
This process eliminates models that will not fit before asking you to make a tonal decision. Instead of comparing every Bartolini Jazz pickup, you only need to compare the models available in the correct housing for your bass.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bartolini Jazz Bass Pickups
1. Are All Bartolini Jazz Bass Pickups the Same Size?
No. Bartolini produces several Jazz pickup housings for four-, five-, and six-string basses. Pickups with the same string count can have different lengths and widths and may not be interchangeable.
Always measure the neck pickup, bridge pickup, and pickup width before ordering.
2. Which Bartolini Pickups Fit a Standard Four-String Fender Jazz Bass?
Many traditional four-string Jazz Basses use a 3.60-inch neck pickup and a 3.73-inch bridge pickup, both approximately 0.73 inches wide.
Corresponding Bartolini models offered by Fat Bass Tone include the 9S, 9SU, 9J1 L/S, 9CBJD L1/S1, 9CBJD L3/S3, and b-axis J44J L/S.
Some instruments use two short pickups or two long pickups, so measuring both positions remains important.
3. Are All Five-String Fender Jazz Bass Pickups the Same Size?
No. Five-string Jazz Basses can use several different pickup sizes.
Compact five-string Bartolini models can use 3.60-inch and 3.73-inch housings. The JV55CBJD uses longer 3.96-inch and 4.09-inch housings while retaining a narrow 0.73-inch width. The 57 and J55 families use approximately 4.00-inch and 4.14-inch housings with a wider 0.77-inch body.
These three groups are not direct replacements for one another.
4. What Is the Difference Between the 59 Series and the 57 Series?
The 59 Series uses Bartolini's compact five-string Jazz housing. Its common long/short configuration measures approximately 3.60 inches at the neck and 3.73 inches at the bridge, with a width of approximately 0.73 inches.
The 57 Series uses a larger Fender-style five-string housing measuring approximately 4.00 inches at the neck and 4.14 inches at the bridge, with a width of approximately 0.77 inches.
A 59CBJD1 will not normally serve as a drop-in replacement for a 57CBJD1.
5. What Is the Difference Between the JV55CBJD and the 57 Series?
The JV55CBJD combines longer American-style pickup lengths with the narrower 0.73-inch Jazz pickup width. It measures approximately 3.96 inches at the neck and 4.09 inches at the bridge.
The 57 Series is slightly longer and wider, measuring approximately 4.00 inches at the neck, 4.14 inches at the bridge, and 0.77 inches wide.
The dimensional differences may appear small, but they are enough to prevent the pickups from being treated as interchangeable.
6. Should I Measure the Pickup or the Routed Cavity?
Start by measuring the pickup itself. That provides the most direct comparison to the dimensions listed in the table.
If the original pickup is missing, has been replaced previously, or appears undersized for the route, measure the cavity as well. The replacement pickup must fit inside the cavity while still providing enough clearance for height adjustment.
7. Should I Choose a Single-Coil or Hum-Cancelling Bartolini Jazz Pickup?
Choose a traditional single-coil model if you prioritize open high frequencies, immediate attack, and familiar vintage Jazz Bass response.
Choose a hum-cancelling model if you prioritize low-noise operation, frequently use one pickup by itself, record in electrically noisy environments, or use higher-gain amplification and effects.
8. Which Bartolini Jazz Pickup Has the Warmest Tone?
Bartolini's Original Series is generally the best starting point for players seeking the company's warmest and smoothest traditional voice.
Depending on the required housing, corresponding models include the 9J1, 59J1, and 57J1.
9. Which Bartolini Jazz Pickup Offers the Most Clarity?
The b-axis series is the strongest starting point for players seeking maximum clarity, extended frequency response, string-to-string balance, and detailed note separation.
Depending on the required size, corresponding models include the J44J, J45J-18, J55J-18, and J55J-19.
10. Can I Install Bartolini Jazz Pickups Without Routing My Bass?
Yes, provided the replacement pickup uses the same external housing dimensions as the pickup and cavity already in the bass.
Matching only the string count or general pickup shape is not enough. Confirm the neck length, bridge length, width, mounting-ear shape, and available cavity clearance before installation.